Maryland Men's Soccer World Cup Central!

Former Terrapin standouts Omar Gonzalez and Graham Zusi competed as members of the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

BELGIUM GAME RECAP: From U.S. Soccer

U.S. MNT DROPS 2-1 DECISION TO BELGIUM IN EXTRA TIME OF DRAMATIC ROUND OF 16 MATCH AT 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP

SALVADOR, Brazil (July 1, 2014) – The U.S. Men’s National Team nearly pulled off the most dramatic of late comebacks, but Belgium held off the vigorous late efforts to earn a 2-1 victory against the USA in the Round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup at Arena Fonte Nova.

Tim Howard had one of the best goalkeeping efforts in U.S. MNT and FIFA World Cup history with 16 saves. It is the most saves since FIFA has recorded that statistic in the World Cup.

Julian Green made his FIFA World Cup debut and scored in extra time to keep the USA’s hopes alive when the squad was trailing by two goals.

Romelu Lukaku’s 105th-minute tally proved to be the game-winner. Kevin De Bruyne assisted Lukaku’s first goal and also scored an unassisted goal in the third minute of extra time.

With all of the defensive efforts during a scoreless 90-minute regulation, the USA had a high-percentage scoring chance in the third minute of stoppage time when Jermaine Jones headed the ball to a wide-open Chris Wondolowski at the edge of the six-yard box, but the striker’s right-footed shot skewed wide of the goal.

Belgium advances to the tournament quarterfinals against Argentina on Saturday, July 5, at Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha in Brasilia (12 p.m. ET, ABC).

Goal Scoring Rundown: BEL – Kevin De Bruyne (unassisted), 93rd minute: Shortly into extra time, Belgium broke the stalemate as Romelu Lukaku dribbled from midfield to the right side of the box. USA center back Omar Gonzalez had a small clearance, but Kevin De Bruyne retrieved the ball, dribbled to his right and slotted at shot to the inside of the far left post. USA goalkeeper Tim Howard, who was a rock all night in the goal, could not quite stretch his right leg out far enough as Belgium took the lead. USA 0, BEL 1

BEL – Romelu Lukaku (Kevin De Bruyne), 105th minute: Belgium seemingly put the match out of reach for the USA when Kevin De Bruyne dished from the left side to Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku shot from the edge of the six-yard box past Tim Howard to take a two-goal lead. USA 0, BEL 2

USA – Julian Green (Michael Bradley), 107th minute: Julian Green made his FIFA World Cup debut in stoppage time of the first 15-minute overtime. In the second 15-minute extra session, Green came through in the clutch. Midfielder Michael Bradley chipped the ball in beautifully, connecting with Green at the penalty spot. In the air, the 19-year-old volleyed with his right foot into the right side of the frame. Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois got a glove on the ball, but his slight deflection was not enough to change the trajectory of the shot. Green became the 21st American player to record a goal in a FIFA World Cup. USA 1, BEL 2 (FINAL)

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